A cocktail of six chemicals successful in killing 100% of the sample breast cancer cells!

According to a new study published in the Journal of Cancer, a cocktail of six natural compounds can kill breast cancer cells without toxic effects on normal cells. The food items where these compounds are found are turmeric, vegetables, fruits and plant roots.

The study was led by Madhwa Raj, Research Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. It was observed that the six compounds killed 100% of the sample breast cancer cells.

'One of the primary causes of both the recurrence of breast cancer and deaths is a small group of cancer stem cells that evade therapy. These multi-drug-resistant cells have the ability to generate new tumours, so it is critically important to develop new approaches to more effective and safer treatment or prevention of breast cancer,' Madhwa Raj told PTI.

The scientists tested ten protective chemical nutrients and finally settled on six, which they tested both individually and in combination. It was found that these chemicals were ineffective individually, but successful in combination.

The six chemicals that did the trick of killing breast cancer cells without harming normal ones were Curcumin known as turmeric, Isoflavone from soybeans, Indo-3-Carbinol from cruciferous plants, C-phycocyanin from spirulina, Reservatrol from grapes, and Quercetin, a flavonoid present in fruits, vegetables, and tea. (Read: One sure-fire tip to beat breast cancer!)

We spoke to our expert Dr Sumeet Shah, a renowned oncologist, who specializes in treating breast cancers, about the disease and busting some myths commonly attached to it.

Is breast cancer preventable?

No. Breast cancer is NOT preventable. Hence, it is essential to detect it early, so as to ensure a maximum survival. However, we can bring about certain changes in our lifestyle, which may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. They can be:

• Regular exercise. It could be in any form brisk walking, gym, aerobics, yoga etc. 45 minutes of daily exercise has definitely shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer
• Healthy food and sleeping habits. Junk food cannot be completely avoided, but we can make a resolution that Mon to Sat to eat healthy home food, and Sunday can be left for outside food. This is especially important for the younger generation, as healthy habits have to be formed now. Once a faulty habit is formed, it's difficult to change.
• Eat more fruits . 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', the adage is actually true.
• Battle stress away. Easier said than done, but stress is a silent killer. Stress depresses our body's immunity (our body's resistance mechanism), and so decrease the capacity of our body to fight off a cancer cell. Don't worry, be happy! (Read: 'Breast cancer is not preventable' (Expert interview))

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